Scientists at Oxford University – perhaps taking a cue from the device featured in Woody Allen’s 1973 comedy “Sleeper” – have developed a “sex chip” that can stimulate pleasure centers in the brain.

While the current technology is crude, the researchers say that the device could be perfected within a decade.

“There is evidence that this chip will work,” said neurosurgeon Tipu Aziz. “When the technology is improved . . . it will be more subtle, with more control over the power so you may be able to turn the chip on and off when needed.”

“In 10 years’ time the range of therapies available will be amazing,” he said.

The prospect of the device comes from work on deep brain stimulation that has been used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Nature Reviews Neuroscience journal reported.

Researchers have seen positive results using wiring inserted into the orbitofrontal cortex – an area of the brain behind the eyes associated with pleasure responses – and connecting it to a pacemaker-type device.

“A few years ago a scientist implanted such a device into the brain of a woman with a low sex drive and turned her into a very sexually active woman,” Aziz said. “She didn’t like the sudden change, so the wiring in her head was removed.”